(a) For purposes of Section 57075, relating to annexations, detachments, and latent powers, in the case of registered voter districts or cities:

(1) For inhabited territory, the commission shall take one of the following actions:

(A) Terminate proceedings if a majority protest exists in accordance with Section 57078.

(B) Order the change of organization or reorganization subject to confirmation by the registered voters residing within the affected territory if written protests have been filed and not withdrawn by either of the following:

(i) At least 25 percent, but less than 50 percent, of the registered voters residing in the affected territory.

(ii) At least 25 percent of the number of owners of land who also own at least 25 percent of the assessed value of land within the affected territory.

(C) Order the change of organization or reorganization without an election if subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph do not apply.

(2) For uninhabited territory, the commission shall take either of the following actions:

(A) Terminate proceedings if a majority protest exists in accordance with Section 57078.

(B) Order the change of organization or reorganization if written protests have been filed and not withdrawn by owners of land who own less than 50 percent of the total assessed value of land within the affected territory.

(b) For purposes of Section 57075, in the case of landowner-voter districts, the commission shall take one of the following actions:

(1) Terminate proceedings if a majority protest exists in accordance with Section 57078.

(2) Order the change of organization or reorganization subject to an election within the affected territory if written protests that have been filed and not withdrawn represent either of the following:

(A) Twenty-five percent or more of the number of owners of land who also own 25 percent or more of the assessed value of land within the affected territory.

(B) Twenty-five percent or more of the voting power of landowner voters entitled to vote as a result of owning property within the affected territory.

(3) Order the change of organization or reorganization without an election if written protests have been filed and not withdrawn by less than 25 percent of the number of owners of land who own less than 25 percent of the assessed value of land within the affected territory.

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 89, Sec. 14. (SB 938) Effective January 1, 2023.)